NOVEMBER 2007 E-Magazine - Pravasi Today

COVER STORY
Indian Tourist
Destinations
❒ Pankaj Dubey
ravelling is world's most
p o p u l a r h o b b y. A n d
Tbeautiful
travelling to the most
part of the globe enthralls
people to the core and they are spell
bound by the serene ecstasy of the
nature. Here we are ready for a
journey to the most sought after
places in India-liked by many for
diverse reasons. Let's be nostalgic
about the places we have already
ventured and plan for the ones that are
still left out.
Let us start from the place that
has the recently voted WONDER OF
THE WORLD-the Taj Mahal. Let's
visit Agra!
AGRA
The land of Taj
Agra is believed to be the most
romantic city in India and the only
reason behind this recognition is the
TAJ MAHAL! It is the epitome of
love and the pinnacle of what a lover
could do to keep their love alive for
centuries to come.
Agra is the most important center
of tourism in Uttar Pradesh, India and
is famous all over the world for the
lovely Taj Mahal, a monument that
was constructed by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan. In fact Taj
Mahal qualifies as one of the Seven
Wonders of the World and this
monument alone attracts people from
far and wide to Agra in Uttar Pradesh,
India.
The Taj Mahal is considered as
the finest example of Mughal
architecture, a style that combines
elements from Persian, Turkish,
16
Pravasi Today ✦ November 2007
Indian and Islamic architectural
styles. In 1983, Taj Mahal became a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and
was cited as "the jewel of medieval art
in India and one of the universally
admired masterpieces of the world's
heritage." Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is
generally considered as the principal
designer of Taj Mahal.
Sometime during the 1500's Agra
in Uttar Pradesh, India became the
capital city of the Lodhi ruler
Sikander Lodhi. Later Agra passed
into the hands of the Mughal rulers
and it was during this time that Agra
was turned into a ground for the most
stunning monuments that were
constructed in the history of India.
The notable tourist attractions
besides the Taj Mahal that you can
visit during your tours to Agra in Uttar
Pradesh, India are the Jehangir
Palace, the deserted ruins of the
Fatehpur Sikri close to Agra and the
massive Agra Fort.
RAJASTHAN
The desert state
From the land of Taj let's move to
the desert state in northern India that
flings the most unexpected surprises
during the tours and travel. While
touring the region of splendid and
remarkable forts and palaces, vast
stretches of sands dotted with the
most marvelous architectural
wonders, one can relive the glorious
past of Rajasthan, India.
Rajasthan offers an unusual
variety and diversity in architecture,
cultural heritage, customs, cuisine,
arts, folk dance forms and music. The
first choicest place would be Udaipur,
the city of lakes. The Shekhavati
region is popularly known as
Rajasthan's open art gallery that
exhibits the splendor and royalty of
royal Rajasthan. A camel safari in
Jaisalmer and a tour to Ajmer Sharief
in Ajmer opens up the most
interesting travel vistas in Rajasthan,